Co-creating Graduate Research Communities: Reflections on Designing, Developing and Delivering Graduate Researcher-Led Projects

Abstract

Graduate researchers constitute an important part of academia. However, they often feel disconnected from their peers due to the individual nature of graduate research. Research has suggested that feeling part of a community enhances the student experience and fosters a range of soft skills that complement the technical skills developed through research. When supported by their institutions, graduate researchers can contribute to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for themselves and their peers in various ways, one of which includes developing and leading community-building projects driven by their needs. In this chapter, we reflect on our experience as graduate researchers who designed, developed and delivered professional development projects for our peers, with the aim to build a stronger intellectual community at our institution. Additionally, we offer practical guidance for graduate researchers who wish to develop their own project to strengthen graduate research communities.

Citation

Lin, Y. and Le, A.T. (2024), "Co-creating Graduate Research Communities: Reflections on Designing, Developing and Delivering Graduate Researcher-Led Projects", Aarnikoivu, M. and Le, A.T. (Ed.) Building Communities in Academia (Surviving and Thriving in Academia), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 27-41. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-83797-500-620241003